One-Verse Evangelism

​Many times we feel that to be effective in evangelism we have to create complex illustrations and memorize a seminary-worthy number of verses. But the Gospel is most powerful when shared with love, clarity, and (sometimes most importantly) simplicity.

One-Verse Evangelism is a simple, interactive way to share Christ's love conversationally and visually. It is based on asking questions and sharing truth simply. It's easy to learn because it uses just one verse. One-Verse Evangelism can be shared in just 10 or 15 minutes, but can have impact for a lifetime – no, make that an eternity.

Here's a brief look at how it works. Write out Romans 6:23 on a piece of paper or a napkin: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (NIV). All you need is contained in this single passage. Ask your friend if he/she would like to see a simple diagram based on this verse that will explain God's relationship with mankind (us).

WagesCircle the word “wages” and ask, "How would you feel if your boss refused to pay you the wages that were due to you?" The answer, of course, is that he would want justice—in this case, the wages he had worked for. Deep down, we all know that it is only right that we get what we deserve. Similarly, we earn “wages” from God for how we have lived our lives.

SinDraw a circle around "sin," asking your neighbor Your friend what he thinks when he hears this word. You might explain that sin is more an attitude than an action. It can be either actively fighting God or as simple as excluding Him from our lives. You can ask, "Has God ever seemed far away?" If he says "Yes," you can explain that that's one of the things sin does—it makes God seem far away. Now draw two opposing cliffs with a gap in between.

DeathCircle this word and ask what thoughts come to mind. Explain that death in the Bible always means some kind of separation—in its most basic sense, separation from life. Because God is the author of life, a spiritual death simply means separation from Him.

BUTWhile circling this word, mention that it is important because it means that a sharp contrast in ideas is coming. What we have just looked at is the bad news; what comes next is the good news.

GiftDraw a circle around this word. Ask, "If wages are what a person earns, then what is a gift?" Remind your friend that though every gift is free for the person receiving it, someone still has to purchase it.

of GodCircle this and explain that the gift you are talking about is free. It is from God Himself. It's so special that no one else can give it. Ask, "How do you feel when someone gives you a special gift?"

Eternal LifeCircle these two words next, and then ask, "How would you define these words?" Contrast one side of the cliff, death, with the other side, eternal life. Ask, "What is the opposite of separation from God?"

Christ JesusWrite these words so they create a cross between the two cliffs. Help your friend to consider that just as every gift has a unique giver, only Jesus Christ can give the gift of eternal life.

GOD’S GIFTDraw arrows pointing upon the cross from wages, sin , and death; and another arrow going through the cross from gift, of God, eternal life; also write GOD’S GIFT over the cross you just drew.

​Explain that God wants a relationship with your friend and that there is nothing your friend can do; no decision to make, no prayer to pray, no bridge to cross, no ladder to climb, no action of any kind on your friend's part; that can earn or establish that relationship with God. That is why the cross of Christ is important. Christ’s death upon the cross is the payment (the wages) for your friend's sins. Christ comes to your friend through His Word, takes their sins and places them on Himself, dies their death and in exchange gives them forgiveness of sins. Where there is forgiveness of sins there is life and salvation (eternal life).​This is the Gift of God.

Close by reminding your friend that this simple illustration shows what God is like: Someone who really cares about people—especially your friend. Invite your friend to read all about it in the Bible. The Gospel of John is a great place to start. If you need a Gospel of John, then see Pastor Riley.